Method and apparatus for balancing while bowling

ABSTRACT

A support device for balancing a bowler while bowling is presented. The bowling support apparatus includes a plurality of legs coupled with a base plate base plate, where the plurality of legs extends from said base plate in a downward direction and is configured to be placed on the floor near the foul line of a bowling lane thus eliminating the need to run-up to the foul line. The bowling support apparatus further includes a telescopically adjustable pole coupled with the base plate. The pole extends substantially perpendicularly from the base plate in an upward direction where it&#39;s coupled with a handle. The handle is configured to be gripped with one hand by a bowler while the bowler is throwing a bowling ball with the other hand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/586,822, filed on Aug. 15, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 29/349,452, filed on Jun. 24, 2010, specifications of which are herein incorporated by reference for completeness of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to the field of sporting goods. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, one or more embodiments of the invention is an apparatus for balancing a bowler while throwing a bowling ball.

2. Description of the Related Art

Bowling is a popular past time. Bowling requires a certain level of physical fitness and general physical ability, including balance. Age, degenerative diseases, strokes, accidents, and other factors can affect a person's level of physical fitness or general physical ability, resulting in impairment during activities such as bowling. For example, individuals who have suffered a stroke may have unilateral balance issues, making the probability of a fall higher when engaging in bowling.

Such an individual may still participate in a restricted manner, such as by standing at the edge of the bowling lane to release the bowling ball. However, there is still a great risk of falling for such an individual.

To overcome the problems and limitations described above there is a need for a support device that provides balance to a bowler during bowling.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the present invention described herein are directed to an apparatus for providing support to a bowler while throwing a bowling ball. A method of using the bowling support apparatus is also provided.

The bowling support apparatus includes a base plate coupled to a plurality of legs, where the plurality of legs extends from the base plate in a downward direction such that in use, they make contact with the ground or floor of a bowling lane. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of legs includes at least five legs. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of legs consists of six legs. In one or more embodiments, the each one in the plurality of legs provides about 4 inches height clearance from the ground to the base plate. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of legs form a connected base unit where each leg includes a horizontal portion extending from a center point of the connected base unit, where each leg contacts the base plate at the horizontal portion.

The bowling support apparatus further includes a pole coupled with the circular base plate, where the pole extends substantially perpendicularly from the circular base plate in an upward direction. In one or more embodiments, the pole is telescopic to allow for adjustment for different body heights.

The bowling support apparatus further includes a handle coupled with the pole at the top end to form a T-Shape handle. In one or more embodiments, the handle is coupled with the pole at about a midpoint of the handle. The handle may extend about five inches from the midpoint of the handle. In one or more embodiments, the bowling support apparatus further includes at least one soft handle bar grip coupled with the handle.

In one or more embodiments, the bowling support apparatus further includes a plurality of rubber boots configured to couple with the plurality of legs. Each rubber boot couples to the end of each leg to provide friction and stability while bowling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bowling support apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom side view of an exemplary bowling support apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top side view of an exemplary bowling support apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front side view of an exemplary bowling support apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary bowling support apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a bowler in a bowling position using a bowling balancer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus for balancing a bowler while bowling will now be described. In the following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forth in an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the steps or processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 6 will now be used to describe an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The bowling support apparatus 2 is a bowling tool configured to enhance a bowler's game by providing support and balance while the bowler 32 is throwing a bowling ball 34. The apparatus is preferably placed at or near the foul line 36 of a bowling lane thus eliminating the need for the bowler to run-up to the foul line 36 prior to throwing the bowling ball 34.

The apparatus of the present invention provides a safe and easy way for anyone who is challenged at bowling to participate in the sport. For instance, the sturdy structure gives support to a bowler enabling the bowler to balance his/her body in the throwing position prior to and during the throwing of the bowling ball. The apparatus of the present invention is configured to be used by either a left or right handed bowler, and can be adjusted for body height of the bowler.

Bowling support apparatus 2 includes base plate 4. In a preferred embodiment, base plate 4 is substantially circular and made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloy, or any other metal. Base plate 4 may also be made of any other suitable material that is sturdy enough to provide support for a human, such as plastic, composite, wood, etc. while the human is throwing a bowling ball.

It should be noted that base plate 4 may take any desired shape, such as a rectangle, triangle, hexagon, or any other suitable shape without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. A suitable shape is preferably a substantially equilateral polygon.

In a preferred embodiment, base plate 4 is circular and about 12 inches in diameter. Base plate 4 is preferably configured to provide enough surface area for support while not usurping the entire bowling lane.

Bowling support apparatus 2 also includes a plurality of legs 6. Legs 6 are preferably coupled to the bottom side base plate 4. Those of skill in the art would appreciate that Legs 6 can be coupled to the any part of base plate 4 so long as the coupling maintains the desired sturdiness of the entire bowling support device 2. Legs 6 extends from base plate 4 in a downward direction and configured to be placed on the floor of the bowling lane. In one or more embodiments, bowling support apparatus 2 includes at least five legs 6. In a preferred embodiment, legs 6 comprises a total of six members.

In a preferred embodiment, legs 6 is substantially made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloy, or any other metal. Legs 6 may also be made of any other suitable material for making a support apparatus for a human, such as plastic, composite, wood, or any other suitable material.

In one or more embodiments, bowling support apparatus 2 further includes rubber boots 8 configured to couple at the end of each one of legs 6. Alternatively, the boots may be made of any material suitable for providing traction may be coupled with legs 6. The boots may also be suction cups. One purpose of the boots is to provide friction between device 2 and the floor of the bowling lane. Friction provides steadiness for the bowler while throwing the bowling ball. In addition to friction, the boots may also be configured to protect the floor of the bowling lane from scratches.

In a preferred embodiment, each leg 6 is about 4 inches in length. Legs 6 may also be between about 3 inches in length to about 6 inches in length, or alternatively between about 3 inches in length to about 8 inches in length.

Bowling support apparatus 2 further includes a pole 10. Pole 10 is preferably coupled with base plate 4 at the center of gravity of base plate 4. In one or more embodiments, pole 10 is coupled with base plate 4 through a hole (or orifice) 16. Hole 16 is preferably located in the center (e.g. center of gravity) of base plate 4 and runs through from the top side to the bottom side of base plate 4. In one or more embodiments, one or more couplers, such as nuts, bolts, screws, threading, or any other coupler, is used to couple pole 10 with base plate 4 through hole 16. Pole 10 is configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from base plate 4 in an upward direction.

In a preferred embodiment, pole 10 is substantially made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloy, or any other metal. Pole 10 may also be made of any other suitable material for making a support apparatus for a human, such as plastic, composite, wood, or any other suitable material. Pole 10 is preferably telescopic to allow for adjustment of the height of device 2 to the body height of the bowler 32 when the bowler 32 is in the bowling position, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In a telescopic configuration, pole 10 may include nuts and bolts (not shown) for use in setting a fixed height that is suitable for the bowler 32, when the bowler 32 is in the bowling position.

In a preferred embodiment, pole 10 may be adjustable from about 18 inches to 36 inches in length. In one or more embodiments, pole 10 includes two or more telescoping components configured to adjust to any length suitable for the bowler when in the bowling position.

The bowling support apparatus 2 further includes handle 12. Handle 12 is coupled to the top end of pole 10 to form a T-Shape configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, handle 12 is substantially made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloy, or any other metal. Handle 12 may also be made of any other suitable material for making a support apparatus for a human, such as plastic, composite, wood, or any other suitable material.

In one or more embodiments, handle 12 is coupled with pole 10 at about the midpoint of handle 12. In a preferred embodiment, handle 12 extends about 5 inches in opposite directions from the midpoint of handle 12. Alternatively, handle 12 extends from between about 4 inches to about 8 inches in opposite directions from the midpoint of handle 12.

In one or more embodiments, bowling support apparatus 2 further includes at least one soft handlebar grip 14 coupled with the handle. Soft handlebar grip 14 maybe made of silicone, rubber, foam, or any other suitable material.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of legs 6 forms a connected base unit 18. Each leg 6 of connected base unit 18 includes a substantially horizontal portion extending from a center point 20 of connected base unit 18. Each leg 6 of connected base unit 18 is coupled to base plate 4 at its horizontal portion. In one or more embodiments, connected base unit 18 includes six legs 6 spaced at about 60° apart.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in one or more embodiments, dimension A refers to a distance that handle 12 extends in opposite directions from the midpoint of handle 12 when handle 12 is coupled with pole 10 at a midpoint of handle 12. In a preferred embodiment, dimension A is about 5 inches. Dimension A may be between about 4 inches to about 6 inches, or alternatively between about 4 inches to about 8 inches.

In one or more embodiments, dimension B refers to the total length of pole 10. In a preferred embodiment, dimension B is about 23 inches for the average height male adult. Dimension B may be between about 21 inches to about 25 inches, or alternatively between about 19 inches to about 28 inches.

In one or more embodiments, dimension C refers to a diameter of base plate 4, when base plate 4 is a circular configuration. In a preferred embodiment, dimension C is about 12 inches. Dimension C may be between about 10 inches in diameter to about 14 inches, or alternatively between about 10 inches to about 18 inches.

In one or more embodiments, dimension D refers to a height of legs 6. In a preferred embodiment, dimension D is about 4 inches. Dimension D may be between about 3 inches to about 6 inches, or alternatively between about 3 inches to about 8 inches.

In one or more embodiments, a method of using the bowling support apparatus 2 of the present invention comprises: positioning the device 2 by or near the foul line 36 (e.g. 6 inches away from the foul line), adjusting the pole 10 to suit the bowlers bowling position. The bowler 32 then positions the body approximately 12 inches or more behind and to the side of the base plate; bends down in the bowling position; places the non-bowling hand on the handlebar grip at the top of the pole; swings and releases the bowling ball 34.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for providing support to a bowler during bowling comprising: a circular base plate having a top side and a bottom side; at least five legs coupled to said bottom side of said base plate, wherein each one of said legs begins from said base plate and extends in a downward direction to an end of said leg; a pole having a top end and a bottom end, said bottom end coupled to said top side of said base plate, wherein said pole extends substantially perpendicularly from said base plate in an upward direction to said top end; and a handle element comprising a horizontal bar coupled at its midpoint with said top end of said pole to form a T-Shape handle, wherein said handle is configured to be gripped with a first hand by a bowler while said bowler is throwing a bowling ball with a second hand, wherein said pole extends to a height enabling said bowler to be in a preferred bowling position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said circular base plate, said pole, said handle, and said legs are made of sturdy material.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rubber boot coupled to said end of each of said legs to provide friction between said legs and ground thereby preventing slippage while said bowler is throwing said bowling ball.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pole is telescopically adjustable to accommodate bowlers of various heights.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a soft handle bar grip coupled to each end of said handle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said circular base plate has a diameter of about 12 inches.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said each one of said legs has a height of about 4 inches from ground to said bottom side of said base plate.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said legs form a connected base unit wherein each one of said legs includes a horizontal portion extending from a center point of said connected base unit, wherein said each one of said legs contacts said circular base plate at said horizontal portion.
 9. An apparatus for providing support to a bowler during bowling comprising: a base plate having a top side and a bottom side; at least five legs coupled to said bottom side of said base plate, wherein each one of said legs begins from said base plate and extends in a downward direction to an end of said leg; a pole having a top end and a bottom end, said bottom end coupled to said top side of said base plate, wherein said pole extends substantially perpendicularly from said base plate in an upward direction to said top end; and a handle element comprising a horizontal bar coupled at its midpoint with said top end of said pole to form a T-Shape handle, wherein said handle is configured to be gripped with a first hand by a bowler while said bowler is throwing a bowling ball with a second hand, wherein said pole extends to a height enabling said bowler to be in a preferred bowling position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said base plate is circular.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a rubber boot coupled to said end of each of said legs to provide friction between said legs and ground thereby preventing slippage while said bowler is throwing said bowling ball.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said pole is telescopically adjustable to accommodate bowlers of various heights.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a soft handle bar grip coupled to each end of said handle.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said each one of said legs provides about 4 inches clearance from ground to said bottom side of said base plate.
 15. An apparatus for providing support to a bowler during bowling comprising: a base plate having a top side and a bottom side; at least five legs coupled to said bottom side of said base plate, wherein each one of said legs begins from said base plate and extends in a downward direction to an end of said leg; a rubber boot coupled to each one of said legs and configured to provide friction with ground; a pole having a top end and a bottom end, said bottom end coupled to said top side of said base plate, wherein said pole extends substantially perpendicularly from said base plate in an upward direction to said top end; and a handle element comprising a horizontal bar coupled at its midpoint with said top end of said pole to form a T-Shape handle, wherein said handle is configured to be gripped with a first hand by a bowler while said bowler is throwing a bowling ball with a second hand, wherein said pole extends to a height enabling said bowler to be in a preferred bowling position.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said base plate is circular.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said pole is telescopically adjustable to accommodate bowlers of various heights.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a soft handle bar grip coupled to each end of said handle.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said each one of said legs provides about 4 inches clearance from ground to said bottom side of said base plate.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said legs are configured to be placed substantially near a foul line of a bowling lane. 